Treatments for Co-Occurring Disorders

Do you know someone who would benefit from treatment for mental illness and a drug or alcohol habit? These are referred to as "co-occurring" disorders or "dual diagnosis".

This Thursday, October 15, there will be a panel presentation to discuss "What Families Need To Know" at the regular monthly meeting of NAMI, the National Alliance for Mental Illness. The McHenry County Chapter meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00PM at the McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.

Last month the group heard about what not to do and some suggestions for ways to really help those who are dealing with these issues. This month a team from Family Service will speak about the programs they have for Co-Occurring Disorders.

Scott Campbell, CEO, Chris Gleason, Director of the Substance Abuse Services and ICT Supervisor, Jessica Zaucha, Manager of SASS and ICT Supervisor, Rebecca Levine, Manager of Wraparound and Family Resource Developers, Rebecca Jaster, ICT Therapist, and Helen DiNardo, parent, will discuss the programs available to us for both adults and children and adolescents.

Family Service has a new evidence-based practice called Integrated Co-Occurring Treatment (ICT) that they started a year ago that is showing great promise for helping our youth recover from dealing with these co-occurring disorders. The lessons learned from implementing this program are influencing the way adults are now being served as well.

No reservation is needed to attend NAMI meetings. If you would like information about NAMI before or after the meeting, visit www.namimchenrycounty.org/ or call 815/344-8300.